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Discover The Health Enhancing Benefits Of Lignans

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During the past few years holistic practitioners and other health experts have become increasingly sold on the health benefits of lignans. Lignans are a unique group of phytochemicals (plant chemicals) known as phytoestrogens, estrogen-like compounds that also act as antioxidants. Phytoestrogens, in addition to their antioxidant activity, may reduce the risk of estrogen-sensitive cancers, like breast cancer, by binding to estrogen receptors and thus preventing estrogen attachment.

The most noted of the phytoestrogens are the isoflavones of soybeans. Isoflavones have helped give soy its reputation as a health-promoting food. Lignans may do the same for foods like flax, already becoming popular for its content of omega-3 fatty acids.

Lignans have been associated with improved prostate health, stronger bones, cancer prevention, better heart health and reduction of inflammation. A diet rich in lignans is believed to reduce the size, aggressiveness and severity of tumors in mice that have been genetically engineered to develop prostate cancer, according to new research from Duke University Medical Center in the US.

One of the best sources of lignans is flaxseed. Contrary to popular belief, flaxseed is not a “new” discovery. Ancient Egyptians and Greek physicians (like Hippocrates) touted its ability to cure various ills. In the 8th century A.D., King Charlemagne believed that flax was so essential to health that he wrote a series of laws requiring his subjects to consume a certain amount each year.

More recently, classic herbal medicine texts have recommended flaxseed oil to relieve stomach and intestinal problems, urinary tract infections, respiratory infections and colds. Flax is found in many edible forms like ground or whole seeds and oils and it is also an ingredient in some types of breads, muffins and cereals. As a food, flax contains a mix of beneficial nutrients, including fiber. Many people add flaxseed oil to foods to enrich their intake of important nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids. Ground flaxseed can be sprinkled on many dishes from salads to pasta and vegetables. It can also be consumed as flaxseed oil for use in salad dressings or mixed in with yogurts.

A truly amazing new discovery is that the best producer of the anti-aging nutrient, enterolactone, is the lignan found exclusively in the knot wood of the Norway spruce, and it’s much more concentrated than in the runner-up source, unrefined flax seed.

Most of us do not get enough lignans in our diet, therefore the amount of lignans available to us from our food is small. Fortunately, lignans are available in supplement form. In fact the market for lignan supplements has nearly tripled in the past two years as people have become increasingly aware of the benefits. Consider adding lignans to your diet to boost your immune system and help you achieve optimum health.